Spacer textile material with tensile strands having multiple entry and exit points

ABSTRACT

A spacer textile material has at least a portion of a tensile strand located between a first layer and a second layer of the spacer textile material where the first layer and second layer have been joined together to form channels in which the tensile strand moves freely. The tensile strand may be disposed within or about the spacer textile material in any location on the material. The spacer textile material with a tensile strand may be incorporated into an article of footwear and/or article of apparel.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to the following commonly owned copendingapplications: Follett, U.S. Patent Application Publication Number2014/0196316 published on Jul. 17, 2014, entitled “Article of FootwearIncorporating Braided Tensile Strands”; Beye et al., U.S. PatentApplication Publication Number 2014/0196310 published on Jul. 17, 2014,entitled “Spacer Textile Material with Tensile Strands in Non-LinearArrangements”; Beye et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication Number2014/0196315 published on July 17, 2014, entitled “Spacer TextileMaterial with Strands that Intersect”; and Follett et al., U.S. PatentApplication Publication Number 2014/0196311 published on Jul. 17, 2014,entitled “Spacer Textile Material with Channels Having MultipleStrands”, which are all incorporated by reference herein in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND

Articles of footwear generally include two primary elements: an upperand a sole structure. The upper is often formed from a plurality ofmaterial elements (e.g., textiles, polymer sheet layers, foam layers,leather, synthetic leather) that are stitched or adhesively bondedtogether to form a void on the interior of the footwear for comfortablyand securely receiving a foot. More particularly, the upper forms astructure that extends over instep and toe areas of the foot, alongmedial and lateral sides of the foot, and around a heel area of thefoot. The upper may also incorporate a lacing system to adjust the fitof the footwear, as well as permitting entry and removal of the footfrom the void within the upper. In addition, the upper may include atongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance adjustability andcomfort of the footwear, and the upper may incorporate a heel counter.

The various material elements forming the upper impart specificproperties to different areas of the upper. For example, textileelements may provide breathability and may absorb moisture from thefoot, foam layers may compress to impart comfort, and leather may impartdurability and wear-resistance. As the number of material elementsincreases, the overall mass of the footwear may increase proportionally.The time and expense associated with transporting, stocking, cutting,and joining the material elements may also increase. Additionally, wastematerial from cutting and stitching processes may accumulate to agreater degree as the number of material elements incorporated into anupper increases. Moreover, products with a greater number of materialelements may be more difficult to recycle than products formed fromfewer material elements. By decreasing the number of material elements,therefore, the mass of the footwear and waste may be decreased, whileincreasing manufacturing efficiency and recyclability.

The sole structure is secured to a lower portion of the upper so as tobe positioned between the foot and the ground. In athletic footwear, forexample, the sole structure includes a midsole and an outsole. Themidsole may be formed from a polymer foam material that attenuatesground reaction forces (i.e., provides cushioning) during walking,running, and other ambulatory activities. The midsole may also includefluid-filled chambers, plates, moderators, or other elements thatfurther attenuate forces, enhance stability, or influence the motions ofthe foot, for example. The outsole forms a ground-contacting element ofthe footwear and is usually fashioned from a durable and wear-resistantrubber material that includes texturing to impart traction. The solestructure may also include a sockliner positioned within the upper andproximal a lower surface of the foot to enhance footwear comfort.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a spacer textile material includes a first layer, asecond layer, a plurality of connecting members extending between andjoining the first layer and the second layer and a tensile strand, wherea first portion of the tensile strand is disposed between the firstlayer and second layer. The spacer textile material also includes achannel bounded by portions of the first layer and the second layer thatare in direct contact. The first portion of the tensile strand that isdisposed between the first layer and second layer is located within thechannel.

In another aspect, a spacer textile material includes a first layer, asecond layer, a plurality of connecting members extending between andjoining the first layer and the second layer, and a tensile strand. Thespacer textile material also includes a channel bounded by portions ofthe first layer and the second layer that are in direct contact. A firstportion of the tensile strand is disposed between the first layer andthe second layer in the channel, a second portion of the tensile strandextends outside of the spacer textile material from an edge of thespacer textile material and a third portion of the tensile strandextends outwardly from a first opening on the outer face of the firstlayer of the spacer textile material.

In another aspect, an article of footwear includes an upper, where atleast a portion of the upper comprises a spacer textile material. Thespacer textile material further includes a first layer, a second layerand a plurality of connecting members extending between and joining thefirst layer and the second layer as well as a tensile strand. The spacertextile material also includes a channel configured to receive at leasta portion of the tensile strand.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the disclosure willbe, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the following figures and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features andadvantages be included within this description and this summary, bewithin the scope of the disclosure, and be protected by the followingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and description. The components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the figures, likereference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout thedifferent views.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the spacer textilematerial;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the spacer textilematerial having a tensile strand disposed between a first layer and asecond layer;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the spacer textilematerial having a tensile strand in a welding device prior to thejoining of the first layer and second layer;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a welding device duringthe joining of the first layer and second layer of a spacer textilematerial having a tensile strand disposed between a first layer and asecond layer;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the spacer textilematerial having a tensile strand disposed in channels defined by one ormore welds created by a welding method;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the spacer textilematerial having a tensile strand where the tensile strand is disposedbetween a first layer and a second layer and extends from the materialalong one or more edges of the material;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the spacer textilematerial having a tensile strand where the tensile strand is disposedbetween a first layer and a second layer and extends from the materialalong one or more edges of the material;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the spacer textilematerial having a tensile strand where the tensile strand is disposed onthe interior and exterior of the spacer textile material;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the spacer textilematerial having a tensile strand that is disposed on the interior andexterior of the spacer textile material in multiple locations;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the spacer textilematerial having a tensile strand that is disposed on the interior andexterior of the spacer textile material in multiple locations;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the spacer textilematerial having multiple tensile strands that are disposed on theinterior and exterior of the spacer textile material in multiplelocations;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the spacer textilematerial having multiple tensile strands that are disposed on theinterior and exterior of the spacer textile material in multiplelocations;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the spacer textilematerial having multiple tensile strands that are disposed on theinterior and exterior of the spacer textile material in multiplelocations; and

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an article of footwearincorporating a spacer textile material having tensile strands in anylocation as a portion of the upper of the article of footwear.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a spacer textile material 100. Inone embodiment, spacer textile material 100 may include a first layer110, as well as a second layer 120 that is at least partiallycoextensive with first layer 110. In addition, spacer textile material100 may have a plurality of connecting members 130 that extend betweenand join first layer 110 and second layer 120.

Connecting members 130 may be arranged to form a series of rows. Therows of connecting members 130 are separated by various spaces. In someembodiments, the rows formed by connecting members 130 may besubstantially parallel to each other and distributed at substantiallyequal distances across spacer textile material 100. In otherembodiments, the rows could be non-parallel and/or unevenly spacedapart. Spaces may be areas within spacer textile material 100 whereconnecting members 130 are absent. Typically, spaces may include areasbetween the rows formed by connecting members 130.

Spacer textile material 100 also may define at least a pair of oppositeedges, first edge 140 and second edge 160, which are also edges of firstlayer 110 and second layer 120. In some embodiments, each of first edge140 and second edge 160 may be substantially parallel to the rows formedby connecting members 130.

The spacer textile material may be formed by any suitable method formanufacturing such a material. A general process may include one or moreyarns being fed into a conventional knitting apparatus. The knittingapparatus may mechanically manipulate yarns to form each of a firstlayer and a second layer. The knitting apparatus may also manipulateyarns to form connecting members between the first and second layers. Assuch, the first layer and second layer may be knitted layers, and theconnecting members may be sections of at least one yarn that extendbetween the first layer and second layer. Moreover, the process formsspaces, edges, and stabilization structures.

Once formed, the spacer textile material exits the knitting apparatusand is collected on a roll. After a sufficient length of spacer textilematerial is collected, the roll may be shipped or otherwise transportedto a manufacturer to utilize the spacer textile material for themanufacture of footwear or for any other purposes. Although not alwaysperformed, the spacer textile material may be subjected to variousfinishing operations (e.g., dying, fleecing) prior to being collected ona roll.

Examples of spacer textile material and methods of making spacer textilematerial are disclosed in any of the following: Chao et al., U.S. PatentPublication Number 2013/0266773, entitled, “Spacer Textile Materials andMethods for Manufacturing the Spacer Textile Materials,” published onOct. 10 2013; Goodwin et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,371, entitled“Resilient Bladder for Use in Footwear,” issued on Sep. 19, 2000; andGoodwin, U.S. Pat. No. 7,076,891, entitled “Flexible Fluid-FilledBladder for an Article of Footwear,” issued on Jul. 18, 2006, theentirety of each being incorporated by reference.

Some embodiments of a spacer textile material may include a tensilestrand. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the tensile strandmay be located between the first layer and the second layer. In someembodiments, one or more portions of the tensile strand may be disposedin channels that may be created by joining a first layer and secondlayer of the spacer textile material. After assembly, the tensile strandmay move freely within the one or more channels.

As discussed above, the spacer textile material may include at least onetensile strand. The tensile strand may be located in any portion of thespacer textile material. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a spacer textilematerial 200. Spacer textile material 200 may include tensile strand240. Further, spacer textile material 200 may include a plurality ofconnecting members 230 that extend between and join first layer 210 andsecond layer 220. Connecting members 230 may be arranged to form aseries of rows that are separated by various spaces. A portion oftensile strand 240 may be disposed between first layer 210 and secondlayer 220. In particular, tensile strand 240 may be disposed in thespace created between connecting members 230.

Spacer textile material 200 also defines at least a pair of oppositeedges, first edge 250 and second edge 260. First edge 250 and secondedge 260 also may be edges of first layer 210 and second layer 220. Insome embodiments, each of first edge 250 and second edge 260 may besubstantially parallel to the rows formed by connecting members 230.However, in other embodiment, first edge 250 and/or second edge 260 maynot be parallel with the rows formed by connecting members 230.

In different embodiments, the arrangement of a tensile strand within aspacer textile material can vary. For example, various portions of atensile strand may extend through spacer textile material (i.e., betweena first layer and a second layer) in parallel with, or at various anglesto, one or more edges of the spacer textile material. Additionally, insome embodiments, different portions or segments of a tensile strand maybe aligned in parallel with one another. In other embodiments, differentportions or segments of a tensile strand could be disposed at variousangles to one another.

An exemplary arrangement of a tensile strand within a spacer textilematerial is shown in FIG. 2. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a firstportion 241 of tensile strand 240 may be disposed between first layer210 and second layer 220 of spacer textile material 200. Moreover, firstportion 241 may generally extend from first edge 250 to second edge 260.In addition, a third portion 243 of tensile strand 240 may also bedisposed between first layer 210 and second layer 220 of spacer textilematerial 200 and may likewise extend between first edge 250 and secondedge 260. Furthermore, a second portion 242 of tensile strand 240 may bedisposed between first portion 241 and third portion 243. In contrast tofirst portion 241 and third portion 243, which may be disposed betweenadjacent layers of spacer textile material 200, second portion 242 mayextend outwardly from second edge 260 such that second portion 242 isnot disposed between first layer 210 and second layer 220. In someembodiments, second portion 242 forms a loop that extends from secondedge 260 of spacer textile material 200.

As one exemplary arrangement, first portion 241 and third portion 243are shown extending in parallel between first edge 250 and second edge260. Moreover, first portion 241 and third portion 243 may be orientedin a direction that is approximately perpendicular to first edge 250 andsecond edge 260. However, as previously discussed, in other embodimentsone or more portions could vary in their orientations relative to otherportions of a tensile strand and/or could vary in their orientationsrelative to edges of a spacer textile material.

The tensile strands of the disclosure may be formed from any generallyone-dimensional material. As utilized with respect to the presentdisclosure, the term “one-dimensional material” or variants thereof isintended to encompass generally elongate materials exhibiting a lengththat is substantially greater than a width and a thickness.

The tensile strands of the disclosure may be formed from any suitablematerial. Accordingly, suitable materials for a tensile strand, forexample tensile strand 240 of FIG. 2, may include various filaments,fibers, yarns, threads, cables, cords, or ropes. Suitable material for atensile strand may be formed from or include rayon, nylon, polyester,polyacrylic, silk, cotton, carbon, glass, aramids (e.g., para-aramidfibers and meta-aramid fibers), ultra high molecular weightpolyethylene, liquid crystal polymer, copper, aluminum, steel, andvarious combination of these kinds of materials.

Filaments have an indefinite length and in some cases a single filamentcan be utilized as a tensile strand, such as tensile strand 240. Fibershave a relatively short length and generally go through spinning ortwisting processes to produce a strand of suitable length. An individualfilament utilized in a tensile strand may be formed from a singlematerial (i.e., a monocomponent filament) or from multiple materials(i.e., a bicomponent filament). Similarly, different filaments may beformed from different materials. As an example, yarns utilized astensile strand 240 may include filaments that may be formed from acommon material, or may include filaments that may be formed from two ormore different materials. Similar concepts also apply to threads,cables, or ropes.

The spacer textile material of the disclosure may include two or moretensile strands. In some embodiments, when the spacer textile materialincludes multiple tensile strands, the tensile strands may be made fromthe same material. In some embodiments, the tensile strands may be madefrom different materials. When the tensile strands are made fromdifferent materials, the tensile strands may include differentcharacteristics. For example, a first tensile strand may stretch when aforce is applied. In some embodiments, a second tensile strand maystretch less than first tensile strand. In other embodiments, a secondtensile strand may stretch more than the first tensile strand.

In some embodiments, the thickness of tensile strands may also varysignificantly to range from less than 0.03 millimeters to more than 5millimeters, for example. Although one-dimensional materials will oftenhave a cross-section where the width and the thickness are substantiallyequal (e.g., a round or square cross-section), some one-dimensionalmaterials may have a width that is greater than a thickness (e.g., arectangular, oval, or otherwise elongate cross-section). Despite thegreater width, a material may be considered one-dimensional if thelength of the material is substantially greater than the width and thethickness of the material.

In some embodiments having multiple tensile strands, the thickness ofeach strand may be the same. In other embodiments, the thickness of eachtensile strand may be different. The relative thickness of two or moretensile strands may be selected according to various factors includingdesired strength, elasticity, manufacturing considerations as well aspossible other factors.

Examples of suitable tensile strands are disclosed in any of thefollowing: Dojan et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,925,129, entitled, “Methods ofManufacturing Articles of Footwear With Tensile Strand Elements,” issuedon Jan. 6, 2015; Dojan et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,819,963, entitled,“Articles of Footwear With Tensile Strand Elements ,” issued on Sept. 2,2014; and Dojan et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,973,288, entitled “FootwearIncorporating Angled Tensile Strand Elements, ” issued on Mar. 10, 2015,the entirety of each being hereby incorporated by reference.

A tensile strand can be configured in any pattern, configuration orarrangement in a spacer textile material. In some embodiments, a tensilestrand can be confined to a particular region of a spacer textilematerial. In other embodiments, a tensile strand may be associated withmultiple different regions of a spacer textile material, including theentirety of the spacer textile material. Moreover, a tensile strand canextend through a spacer textile material (i.e., between adjacentlayers), as well as outside of the layers that form the spacer textilematerial. In some embodiments, portions of a tensile strand may extendalong an outer surface or outer face of a layer. In still otherembodiments, portions of a tensile strand could extend along an edge ofa spacer textile material.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “opening” may include a spacealong an edge of the spacer textile material between a first layer and asecond layer that is also between connecting members of the spacertextile material. Further, the term “opening” may include a spacebetween the knitted strands of the first layer or second layer of thespacer textile. Further, the term “opening” may include a space, slit orhole in the first layer or second layer created during the preparationof the spacer textile material. As stated above, the tensile strand maybe disposed through any opening on the spacer textile material.

The figures of this disclosure may show the ends of each tensile strandextending beyond the edges or faces of one or more layers of the spacertextile material. However, the ends of each tensile strand may befinished in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, thetensile strand ends may extend beyond the edge of the spacer material.In such an embodiment, the ends of the tensile strand may extend into asecond material or structure. Further, the ends of the tensile strandmay be knotted or tied off so that the ends may not recess into thespacer textile material. Further, the ends may extend into the spacertextile material in a second direction and continue to extend throughoutthe material in a selected manner or pattern. In other embodiments, theends of the tensile strand may be flush with the edge of the spacertextile material. Still further, the end of the tensile strand may bejoined to the edge of one or more layers of the spacer textile material.

In addition to a tensile strand, the spacer textile material may includeprovisions for restricting the movement of the tensile strand within thespacer textile material. In some embodiments, a spacer textile materialcan include provisions for restricting the movement of one portion ofthe tensile strand. In other embodiments, a spacer textile material caninclude provisions for restricting two or more portions of a tensilestrand (for example, two adjacent sides or ends of a tensile strand). Insome embodiments, a spacer textile material can include one or morechannels that act to restrict or restrain the movement various portionsof the tensile strand. For example, a tensile strand disposed inside achannel of a spacer textile material may move freely in a longitudinaldirection of the channel, while motion of the tensile strand in thelateral direction of the channel may be restricted.

For instance, FIG. 5, which is discussed below is further detail,depicts spacer textile material 500 having portions of a tensile stranddisposed within spacer textile material 500. Portions of a tensilestrand may be further disposed in two channels, first channel 360 andsecond channel 362. As shown in FIG. 5, the tensile strand portions maybe restricted in the lateral direction on both sides while the tensilestrand portions are free to move within each channel in the longitudinaldirection.

The channels formed in the spacer textile material may have any width.In some embodiments the width of the channel may accommodate one tensilestrand. In other embodiments, the width of the channel may be largeenough to accommodate two or more tensile strands. In addition, a firstchannel may have one width and a second channel may have a second width.The widths of multiple channels may be the same or the widths may bedifferent. Further, the width of a single channel may change over therun of the channel. In other words, the width of the channel may varythroughout the length of the channel. For example, a channel may have awidth that increases from a first edge to a second edge of a spacertextile material.

In some embodiments, channels of a spacer textile material may bebounded by portions of the first layer and the second layer that are indirect contact. In some embodiments, sections of the first layer and thesecond layer may be joined or fused to form one or more channels. Thefirst layer may be joined to the second layer by any suitable method ofjoining such layers. In some embodiments, the first layer is joined tothe second layer through a welding method. However, in otherembodiments, the joining of the first layer and the second layer couldbe accomplished using other methods including, but not limited to:stitching, adhesives as well as other joining methods.

In some embodiments, the first layer and the second layer could bejoined in a manner that forms one or more channels for guiding andcontrolling the configuration and possible motions of a tensile strand.For example, in some embodiments one or more welds could be used to jointhe first layer and the second layer such that adjacent welds form thewalls of one or more channels.

In some embodiments, welding methods may be utilized to join the firstlayer to the second layer. The welding method utilized to join the firstlayer to the second layer may include a high frequency welding method.In some embodiments, the high frequency welding method may include anultrasonic welding method or a radio frequency welding method.

In those embodiments that include ultrasonic welding methods, anultrasonic welding device is used to join the first layer to the secondlayer of the spacer textile material. Ultrasonic welding devices utilizehigh frequency ultrasonic acoustic vibrations. The vibrations may beapplied locally to a portion of the spacer textile material. Further,the vibrations applied to the spacer textile material cause friction.The friction softens the spacer textile material to fuse the first layerto the second layer. The fusion of the first layer to the second layermay be considered a solid state weld.

Examples of ultrasonic techniques and equipment are disclosed in any ofthe following: Albanese et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,883,594, entitled“Wrapped pile weatherstripping and methods of making same,” issued onFeb. 8, 2011; Chernyak, U.S. Pat. No. 7,824,513, entitled “Apparatus andmethod for making pile articles and improved pile articles madetherewith,” issued on Nov. 2, 2010; Lehto et al., U.S. Pat. No.7,776,171, entitled “Arrangement and method for treatment of a materialby means of an ultrasonic device,” issued on Aug. 17, 2010; Perrine,U.S. Pat. No. 6,835,257, entitled “Ultrasonic weld pattern for adsorbentcontaining package” issued on Dec. 28, 2004; and Collette et al., U.S.Pat. No. 5,713,399, entitled “Ultrasonic seaming of abutting strips forpaper machine clothing” issued on Feb. 3, 1998; the entirety of eachbeing hereby incorporated by reference. One or more of the principles,concepts or methods disclosed in the cited references above may beimplemented for preparing the welds on the spacer textile material ofthis disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of spacer textile material 300 in a weldingdevice. Spacer textile material 300 may include first layer 310, secondlayer 320 and connecting members 330. Spacer textile material 300 mayfurther include a tensile strand 340 with first end 342 and second end344. Tensile strand 340 may be located between first layer 310 andsecond layer 320.

In order to fuse portions of first layer 310 and second layer 320together, spacer textile material 300 having tensile strand 340 may bepositioned between a horn 350 and an anvil 360 of the welding device. Asseen in FIG. 3, horn 350 may have a one or more protrusions. In someembodiments, horn 350 may have first protrusion 351, second protrusion353, and third protrusion 355.

Each protrusion may form a pattern that is to be welded into the spacertextile material. The protrusions may form any suitable pattern. Thepatterns formed by one or more protrusions may include a stripe or line,parallel stripes or lines, perpendicular stripes or lines, a zig-zagpattern, a triangular pattern, and a wavy pattern, among other patterns.

For purposes of illustration, horn 350 and anvil 360 are shownschematically in the embodiments. Generally, the anvil 360 is a fixedcomponent where the material to be welded rests or is nested. The horn350 may be a sonotrode, which is connected to a transducer (not shown).The transducer causes the horn 350 to resonate or emit an acousticvibration. In some embodiments, the frequency at which a horn vibratesmay be between about 15 kHz and 85 kHz. Some examples of typicalfrequencies at which a horn vibrates include 15 kHz, 20 kHz, 30 kHz, 35kHz, 40 kHz, and 70 kHz. The frequency chosen may depend on the materialbeing welded as well as possibly other factors.

Horn 350 and anvil 360 come together under pressure to join a firstmaterial to a second material. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and4, a first layer 310 is joined to a second layer 320 of spacer textilematerial 300. First layer 310 may be joined to second layer 320 in thelocation in which the material comes in contact with one or more of theprotrusions, including first protrusion 351, second protrusion 353, andthird protrusion 355, of horn 350.

FIG. 4 provides a schematic of an embodiment of an ultrasonic weldingmethod. In FIG. 4, first protrusion 351, second protrusion 353 and thirdprotrusion 355 of horn 350 cause first layer 310 to meet second layer320 at first weld 348, second weld 352 and third weld 354. Thetransducer may be activated to cause horn 350 to resonate at a selectedfrequency. The vibrations of horn 350 generate friction between firstlayer 310 and second layer 320 of spacer textile material 300 and horn350. The friction causes the materials of first layer 310 and secondlayer 320 to soften or melt. First layer 310 and second layer 320 may beallowed to cool to cause the layers to fuse to each other. Followingthis joining process, first layer 310 and second layer 320 may be fusedor welded in those areas contacted by horn 350.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of the welded spacer textile material 500.As can be seen, first weld 348, second weld 352 and third weld 354 maybe generated by a welding device, as shown in FIG. 4. At each weld,first layer 310 may be fused to second layer 320. Further, first weld348, second weld 352, and third weld 354 define two channels, firstchannel 360 and second channel 362. Both channels include portions oftensile strand 340. Tensile strand 340 is free to move in a longitudinaldirection within the channels. However, the welds on both sides oftensile strand 340 restrain the lateral movement of tensile strand 340within each channel of the spacer textile material 500.

In some embodiments, the welded spacer textile material, or a portion ofthe welded spacer textile material, may be incorporated into footwear,for example, as shown in FIG. 14, discussed below in further detail. Insome cases, the spacer textile material may be configured for use in awide range of athletic footwear styles, including running shoes,basketball shoes, cross-training shoes, football shoes, golf shoes,hiking shoes and boots, ski and snowboarding boots, soccer shoes, tennisshoes, and walking shoes, for example. Concepts associated with thespacer textile material may also be utilized with footwear styles thatare generally considered to be primarily non-athletic, including dressshoes, loafers, sandals, casual shoes, clogs, flats, heels, pumps,wedges, and work boots.

In addition to footwear, the spacer textile material may be incorporatedinto other types of apparel and athletic equipment, including helmets,gloves, and protective padding for sports, such as football and hockey.Similar material may also be incorporated into cushions and othercompressible structures utilized in household goods and industrialproducts.

Additionally, the discussion and figures disclose various configurationsof a spacer textile material. Although portions of the spacer textilematerial are disclosed as being incorporated into footwear, the spacertextile material may be utilized with a variety of other products or fora variety of other purposes. In some embodiments, the spacer textilematerial may be utilized in apparel, such shirts, shorts, pants,outerwear, sports uniforms/jerseys, hats, socks, and undergarments,among other pieces of apparel.

The welding method described above is not restricted to the patternsdescribed in this disclosure. The welding device may be configured toprepare a spacer textile material with a wide variety of patterns andtextures.

The spacer textile material may be formed from any suitable material. Insome embodiments, the material used in making a spacer textile materialmay be suitable for the joining method utilized to join the first layerto the second layer of the spacer textile material.

In those embodiments where an ultrasonic welding method is utilized tojoin the first layer and second layer of the spacer textile material,the spacer textile material may be made of any material suitable forsuch a spacer textile configuration. Further, the spacer textilematerial may be made of any material suitable for high frequency weldingmethods. Materials suitable for high frequency welding includethermoplastic material or natural material coated with a thermoplasticmaterial. Examples of material suitable for high frequency weldingmethods include an acrylic, a nylon, a polyester, a polylactic acid, apolyethylene, a polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), an urethane, anatural fiber, such as cotton or wool, that is coated with one or morethermoplastic materials, such as an ethyl vinyl acetate or thermoplasticpolyurethane, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the first layer and the second layer of a spacertextile material may be made of the same material or combination ofmaterials. In other embodiments, the first layer may be made of onesuitable material or combination of materials, and the second layer maybe made of a second suitable material or combination of materials thatare different from the first layer.

Further, the connecting members of the spacer textile material may bemade of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the material of theconnecting member may be the same as the material of the first layer. Inother embodiments, the material of the connecting members may be thesame as the material of the second layer. In still further embodiments,the material of the connecting members may be substantially differentthan both the material of the first layer and the material of the secondlayer.

Other welding methods may be utilized to join layers of a spacer textilematerial. For example, in some embodiments a radio frequency (RF)welding method could be used. In some embodiments, radio frequencywelding could be used with a hot melt adhesive. In some cases, the useof a hot melt adhesive may enhance the application of RF welding to alow mass spacer textile material.

Welding methods could also be used with a variety of differentmaterials. In some embodiments, materials having desired channelgeometry can be achieved by selecting a combination of a welding methodand a suitable material or materials. For example, some embodimentscould use thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) in combination withultrasonic welding to achieve the desired channel geometry on a portionof an upper or other section of an article.

Still other methods are possible for joining layers of a spacer textilematerial. As one example, in other embodiments, the first layer may bejoined to the second layer by a thermal fusion method. The thermalfusion method may include heat bonding. Heat bonding methods include hotdie heating, steam heating or hot air heating.

In further embodiments, the first layer may be joined to the secondlayer through stitching methods or weaving methods. In some embodiments,where the layers are joined through stitching methods, the material usedto form the stitch may be the same as the material of the first layer orsecond layer. In other embodiments, the materials used to form thestitch may be a different material from both the first layer and thesecond layer of the spacer textile material.

It will be understood that the embodiments are not limited to anyparticular method for forming channels in a spacer textile material. Inparticular, the embodiments depict various configurations of a spacertextile material that allows for tensile strands (such as wires) to becaptured and guided through various channels. Although the followingembodiments may reference welding or welds used to join regions oflayers in a spacer textile material, it should be understood that inother embodiments the regions of joined material could be created usingstitching, gluing, as well as possibly other methods.

One or more tensile strands and/or associated channels could be arrangedin a variety of configurations within a spacer textile material. Asstated above, portions of the tensile strand may enter or exit thespacer textile material at any point on the material. Further, thetensile strands, and channels in which the tensile strands are disposed,may be arranged in any pattern including, but not limited to: linearpatterns, non-linear patterns, regular patterns, irregular patterns aswell as any other patterns.

FIGS. 6 through 13 illustrate various different configurations orarrangements of one or more tensile members in a spacer textilematerial. It will be understood that the following configurations areonly intended to be exemplary and still other configurations may bepossible in other embodiments. Moreover, features of the differentembodiments may be combined to create still further arrangements for oneor more tensile strands within a spacer textile material.

FIG. 6 is an embodiment in which multiple portions of the tensile strandextend from and through the spacer textile material. A spacer textilematerial may include provisions for controlling the orientation of atensile strand, which may allow the direction of the tension to bebetter controlled through the material. When a spacer textile materialis incorporated into an upper for an article of footwear, for example,these features may help control the tension through a portion of theupper.

As shown in FIG. 6, a tensile strand 640 may be disposed between firstlayer 610 and second layer 620 of a spacer textile material 600.Further, spacer textile material 600 may include a plurality ofconnecting members 630 that extend between and join first layer 610 andsecond layer 620. Spacer textile material 600 of FIG. 6 also may havefour edges, first edge 690, second edge 692, third edge 694 and fourthedge 696, which are also edges of first layer 610 and second layer 620.Portions of tensile strand 640 may be disposed between first layer 610and second layer 620 and in the space created between connecting members630.

In some embodiments, portions of spacer textile material 600 may bewelded together using methods such as those described above. Spacertextile material 600 may include first weld 680, second weld 687, thirdweld 682 and fourth weld 683. During the welding method, first weld 680,second weld 687, third weld 682, and fourth weld 683 may have beenformed in spacer textile material 600. First weld 680, second weld 687,third weld 682, and fourth weld 683 form two channels, first channel 681and second channel 684, in the spacer textile material 600. Portions oftensile strand 640 run through each of the two channels.

The channels of spacer textile material 600 may have substantiallydifferent widths. For example, first channel 681 may be of a uniformwidth that is different from the width of second channel 684. Inaddition, the width of channel 684 may vary between first edge 690 andthird edge 694. More specifically, second channel 684 may have a firstwidth 685 adjacent first edge 690 and a second width 686 adjacent thirdedge 694 that is substantially greater than the first width 685.

The width of each channel may be defined by the welds forming thechannel. In some embodiments, the welds forming the channel run parallelto each other. For example, first weld 680 and second weld 687 rungenerally parallel to each other. More specifically, first weld 680 mayform a first angle 691 with third edge 694 of spacer textile material600. In one embodiment, first angle 691 may be approximately 90 degrees,though in other embodiments, first angle 691 could have any other value.

Accordingly, to run parallel, second weld 687 may also be disposed aboutspacer textile material 600 at the same angle. Therefore, first channel681, formed by first weld 680 and second weld 687, may have a uniformwidth.

In contrast, third weld 682 and fourth weld 683 may not run parallel toeach other. In this case, third weld 682 may be form a second angle 693with third edge 694 of spacer textile material 600. Fourth weld 683 mayform a third angle 695 with third edge 694, where third angle 695 may besubstantially different than second angle 693. In some embodiments,third angle 695 will be greater than second angle 693. In otherembodiments, third angle 695 will be less than second angle 693. Becausesecond angle 693 and third angle 695 may be substantially differentangles, second channel 684 may have first width 685 at first edge 690that is a smaller width than second width 686 at third edge 694.

Some portions of tensile strand 640 may extend through one or morechannels, while other portions may extend outwardly from spacer textilematerial 600. As seen in FIG. 6, first portion 642 of tensile strand 640may be disposed between first layer 610 and second layer 620 of spacertextile material 600. In addition, first portion 642 may be disposed infirst channel 681 between first edge 690 and opposite third edge 694.Similarly, a third portion 644 of tensile strand 640 also may bedisposed in second channel 684 between first edge 690 and third edge694. A second portion 650 of tensile strand 640, disposed between firstportion 642 and third portion 644, may extend outwardly from openings offirst channel 681 and second channel 684 on third edge 694. In somecases, second portion 650 may form a loop that may engage with one ormore external components or systems.

The configuration depicted in FIG. 6 allows the direction of the tensionto be selectively tuned by varying the size and shape of the channelsthrough which the portions of a tensile strand are disposed. Further,the tension may be selectively tuned by varying the position and angleof each channel disposed about the spacer textile material.

Similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, the embodiment of FIG. 7may include provisions for controlling the orientation of a tensilestrand, which may allow the direction of the tension to be bettercontrolled through a portion of the spacer textile material. In contrastto the embodiment of FIG. 6, the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 may becharacterized by channels that are substantially spaced apart from oneanother.

As shown in FIG. 7, a tensile strand 740 may be disposed between firstlayer 710 and second layer 720 of a spacer textile material 700.Further, spacer textile material 700 may include a plurality ofconnecting members 730 that extend between and join first layer 710 andsecond layer 720. Spacer textile material 700 also may have four edges,including first edge 790, second edge 792, third edge 794 and fourthedge 796, which are also edges of first layer 710 and second layer 720.

In some embodiments, portions of spacer textile material 700 may bewelded together using methods such as those described above. Spacertextile material 700 may include first weld 770, second weld 772, thirdweld 774 and fourth weld 776. First weld 770, second weld 772, thirdweld 774 and fourth weld 776 form two channels, first channel 771 andsecond channel 773, in spacer textile material 700. Portions of tensilestrand 740 may be disposed in each of the two channels.

In different embodiments, the spacing between channels may vary. Forexample, referring to FIG. 5, first channel 360 and second channel 362are disposed adjacent to one another. In particular, the distancebetween first channel 360 and second channel 362 is less than the widthof either first channel 360 or second channel 362. In contrast, in theembodiment shown in FIG. 7, first channel 771 and second channel 773 arespaced apart by a distance that is substantially greater than the widthof first channel 771 or second channel 773. In still other embodiments,the spacing between two or more channels can vary in any other manner.The relative spacing between two or more channels can be selected totune the tensioning of a material.

Some portions of tensile strand 740 may extend through one or morechannels, while other portions may extend outwardly from spacer textilematerial 700. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a first portion 745 oftensile strand 740 extends through first channel 771 from first edge 790to third edge 794. Likewise, a third portion 747 extends through secondchannel 773 from third edge 794 to first edge 790. A second portion 750is disposed between first portion 745 and third portion 747. In somecases, second portion 750 forms a loop that extends out of first channel771, along third edge 794 and back through second channel 773.

The configuration depicted in FIG. 7 allows the direction and/ormagnitude of the tension to be selectively tuned by varying the relativespacing between two or more channels in a spacer textile material.

FIG. 8 is an embodiment in which multiple portions of the tensile strandextend from and through the spacer textile material. A spacer textilematerial may include provisions for controlling the orientation of atensile strand, which may allow the direction of the tension to bebetter controlled through a portion of a material, such as a footwearupper. In addition, portions of the tensile strand may be disposed abovethe face of a layer of the spacer textile material. In some embodiments,portions of the tensile strand that may be disposed above the face of alayer of a spacer textile material may interact with other features ofan article of footwear, such the laces.

The embodiment depicted in FIG. 8 includes a tensile strand that extendsfrom the spacer textile material along an edge as well as through theface of one layer. More specifically, portions of tensile strand 840 maybe disposed between first layer 810 and second layer 820 of a spacertextile material 800. Further, spacer textile material 800 may include aplurality of connecting members 830 that extend between and join firstlayer 810 and second layer 820. Spacer textile material 800 of FIG. 8also may have four edges, including first edge 890, second edge 892,third edge 894 and fourth edge 896, which are also edges of first layer810 and second layer 820.

Spacer textile material 800 may include first weld 860, second weld 862,third weld 864, and fourth weld 866. First weld 860, second weld 862,third weld 864, and fourth weld 866 may form two channels, first channel847 and second channel 849 in the spacer textile material 800. Portionsof tensile strand 840 may be disposed in the two channels.

The channels of spacer textile material 800 may be disposed about spacertextile material 800 at different angles. For example, first channel 847may be disposed about spacer textile material 800 at a first angle 871,relative to first edge 890. Second channel 849 may be disposed aboutspacer textile material 800 at a second angle 873, relative to firstedge 890. In some embodiments, second angle 873 will be greater thanfirst angle 871. In other embodiments, second angle 873 will be lessthan first angle 871. Further, in some embodiments, first channel 847may be parallel to second channel 849. In other embodiments, firstchannel 847 may not be parallel to second channel 849. The position ofeach channel on the spacer textile material may depend on the support ortension desired on a footwear upper as well as possibly other factors.

Some portions of tensile strand 840 may extend through one or morechannels, while other portions may extend outwardly from faces (i.e., anupper or lower surface) of spacer textile material 800. In FIG. 8, firstportion 846 of tensile strand 840 may be disposed between first layer810 and second layer 812 of spacer textile material 800. In addition,first portion 846 may be disposed in first channel 847, which extends tofirst opening 870. First opening 870 may be located on outer face 899face of first layer 810. Tensile strand 840 may extend from spacertextile material 800 through first opening 870.

A second portion 850 of tensile strand 840 may extend from first opening870 to second opening 872 and may be disposed outside of the spacertextile material 800. In some embodiments, second portion 850 forms aloop above outer face 899 of first layer 810. A third portion 848 oftensile strand 840 may be disposed in second channel 849 in spacertextile material 800 from second opening 872 to first edge 890.

The configuration depicted in FIG. 8 allows the direction of the tensionto be selectively tuned by varying the angle of each channel relative toother channels or relative to an edge of the spacer textile material.Further, the tension may be selectively tuned by varying the arrangementor configuration of the tensile strand, including having portionsdisposed internally in a channel and/or externally above the face of onelayer of the spacer textile material.

FIG. 9 is another embodiment in which multiple portions of the tensilestrand extend from and through the spacer textile material. A spacertextile material may include provisions for controlling the orientationof a tensile strand, which may allow the direction of the tension to bebetter controlled through multiple portions of the upper in multipleways. In addition, the tensile strand may be disposed between the layersof the spacer textile material as well as above the face of a layer ofthe spacer textile material. The embodiment depicted in FIG. 9 showsthat the tensile strand may be disposed about a spacer textile materialin any number of positions and any combination of positions.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 9 includes portions of the tensile strandthat may extend from locations along the edges of the material as wellas through openings in the face of the first layer. Similar to theembodiments described above, a tensile strand 940 may be disposedbetween first layer 910 and second layer 920 of a spacer textilematerial 900. Further, spacer textile material 900 may include aplurality of connecting members 930 that extend between and join firstlayer 910 and second layer 920. Spacer textile material 900 also mayhave four edges, including first edge 990, second edge 992, third edge994 and fourth edge 996, which are also edges of first layer 910 andsecond layer 920.

Spacer textile material 900 may include first weld 960, second weld 962,third weld 963, fourth weld 965, fifth weld 966, sixth weld 967, andseventh weld 968. First weld 960, second weld 962, third weld 963,fourth weld 965, fifth weld 966, sixth weld 967, and seventh weld 968may form four channels, including first channel 980, second channel 982,third channel 984, and fourth channel 986, in the spacer textilematerial 900. Fourth weld 965 may include two portions. One portion ofweld 965 may include a weld that extends from first edge 990 to thirdedge 994 and a second portion that extends from first edge 990 to firstopening 970. Portions of tensile strand 940 may be disposed in each ofthe four channels.

The channels of spacer textile material 900 may be disposed about spacertextile material 900 at different angles. For example, first channel 980may be disposed about spacer textile material 900 at a first angle 971,relative to first edge 990. Second channel 982 may be disposed aboutspacer textile material 900 at a second angle 973, relative to firstedge 990. In some embodiments, second angle 973 will be greater thanfirst angle 971. In other embodiments, second angle 973 will be lessthan first angle 971. Further, in some embodiments, first channel 980may be parallel to second angle 982.

Similarly, third channel 984 may be disposed about spacer textilematerial at a third angle 975, relative to first edge 990. Further,fourth channel 986 may be disposed about spacer textile material 900 ata fourth angle 977, relative to first edge 990. In some embodiments,fourth angle 977 will be greater than third angle 975. In otherembodiments, fourth angle 977 will be less than third angle 975.Further, in some embodiments, third channel 984 may be parallel tofourth angle 986. In some embodiments, any two or more of first angle971, second angle 973, third angle 975 and fourth angle 977 may havesubstantially similar values. In other embodiments, no two angles may besimilar. The angular position of each channel on the spacer textilematerial may depend on the support or tension desired on a footwearupper as well as possibly other factors.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 9, the arrangement of variouschannels and openings throughout spacer textile material 900 provides azig-zag like arrangement for tensile strand 940. In particular, firstportion 941 of tensile strand 940 may be disposed between first layer910 and second layer 920 of spacer textile material 900. Further, firstportion 941 may be disposed in a first channel 980 from a first openingalong first edge 990 to reach opposite third edge 994. Tensile strand940 may extend from spacer textile material 900 at a location alongthird edge 994. Third portion 943 of tensile strand 940 may extend froma first opening 979 along first edge 990 to reach opposite third edge994.

Further, a second portion 950 of tensile strand 940 may be disposedoutside of the spacer textile material forming a loop along third edge994. In some cases, second portion 950 may extend from adjacent openings(not shown) along third edge 994. Third portion 943 of tensile strand940 may be disposed in second channel 982 between first layer 910 andsecond layer 920 of spacer textile material 900 to reach first edge 990.Tensile strand 940 may extend from spacer textile material 900 at alocation along first edge 990.

A fourth portion 952 may be disposed outside of spacer textile material900 forming a loop along the first edge 990. A fifth portion 945 oftensile strand 940 may be disposed between first layer 910 and secondlayer 920 of spacer textile material 900 in a third channel 984 toextend to first opening 970. First opening 970 may be located on theface of first layer 910. Tensile strand 940 may extend from spacertextile material 900 through first opening 970.

Tensile strand 940 further may be disposed in spacer textile material900 between first opening 970 and second opening 972 located on outerface 999 of first layer 910. Further, a sixth portion 953 of tensilestrand 940 may be disposed outside of the spacer textile materialforming a loop above the face of layer 910. A seventh portion 947 oftensile strand 940 may be disposed in a fourth channel 986 between firstlayer 910 and second layer 920 of spacer textile material 900 to reachfirst edge 990.

The configuration depicted in FIG. 9 allows the direction of the tensionto be selectively tuned by varying the length and angle of the channelsthrough which the portions of a tensile strand are disposed. Further,the tension may be selectively tuned by varying the position of eachchannel disposed about the spacer textile material. In this particularconfiguration, the zig-zag like arrangement for tensile strand 940 mayallow a single tensile strand to provide tension control across anentire region of spacer textile material 900.

FIG. 10 is yet another embodiment in which multiple portions of thetensile strand extend from and through the spacer textile material. Aspacer textile material may include provisions for controlling theorientation of a tensile strand, which may allow the direction of thetension to be better controlled through a portion of the upper. Similarto FIG. 6, the portions of a tensile strand are disposed in twochannels. Unlike FIG. 6, which illustrated the tensile strand extendingthrough the edges of the spacer textile material, the embodiment of FIG.10 illustrates that the tensile strand can extend from any opening onthe spacer textile material.

The embodiment shown of FIG. 10 includes a tensile strand 1040 that maybe disposed between first layer 1010 and second layer 1020 of a spacertextile material 1000. Further spacer textile material 1000 may includea plurality of connecting members 1030 that extend between and joinlayer 1010 and layer 1020. Spacer textile material 1000 also may havefour edges, including first edge 1090, second edge 1092, third edge 1094and fourth edge 1096, which are also edges of layer 1010 and layer 1020.

Spacer textile material 1000 includes first weld 1060, second weld 1062,third weld 1064 and fourth weld 1066. First weld 1060, second weld 1062,third weld 1064 and fourth weld 1066 form two channels, first channel1080 and second channel 1082, in spacer textile material 1000. Portionsof tensile strand 1040 may run through the two channels.

The channels of spacer textile material 1000 may be disposed aboutspacer textile material 1000 at different angles. For example, firstchannel 1080 may be disposed about spacer textile material 1000 at afirst angle 1071, relative to first edge 1090. Second channel 1082 maybe disposed about spacer textile material 1000 at a second angle 1073,relative to first edge 1090. In some embodiments, second angle 1073 willbe greater than first angle 1071. In other embodiments, second angle1073 will be less than first angle 1071. In still further embodiments,first angle 1071 and second angle 1073 may be substantially the same. Inother words, in some embodiments, first channel 1080 may be parallel tosecond channel 1082. The position of each channel on the spacer textilematerial may depend on the support or tension desired on a footwearupper as well as possibly other factors.

Further, in FIG. 10, first portion 1043 of tensile strand 1040 may bedisposed between first layer 1010 and second layer 1020 spacer textilematerial 1000. In addition, first portion 1043 may be disposed in afirst channel 1080 from first opening 1070 in the face of first layer1010 to extend to first edge 1090. Tensile strand 1040 may extend fromspacer textile material 1000 at a first location along first edge 1090.

Further, a second portion 1050 of tensile strand 1040 may be disposedoutside of the spacer textile material forming a loop along first edge1090. Third portion 1045 of tensile strand 1040 may be disposed in asecond channel 1082 between first layer 1010 and second layer 1020 ofspacer textile material 1000 to extend to third edge 1094. Tensilestrand 1040 may extend from spacer textile material 1000 along thirdedge 1094.

The configuration depicted in FIG. 10 allows the direction of thetension to be selectively tuned by varying the length and angle of thechannels through which the portions of a tensile strand are disposed.Further, the tension may be selectively tuned by varying the position ofthe tensile strand in or about the spacer textile material.

The embodiments discussed above have all focused on one tensile strandhaving multiple portions that may be disposed within or about the spacertextile material at any location on the material. The followingembodiments focus on embodiments having multiple tensile strandsdisposed throughout the spacer textile material.

FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment where at least two strands may be disposedwithin or about the spacer textile material. Each tensile strand mayfunction independent of each other. Therefore, the tension of eachtensile strand may be selectively tuned for the location of the tensilestrand on or about the spacer textile material.

As shown in FIG. 11, portions of first tensile strand 1140 may bedisposed between first layer 1110 and second layer 1120 of a spacertextile material 1100. In addition, portions of second tensile strand1150 may be disposed between first layer 1110 and second layer 1120 of aspacer textile material 1100.

Further, spacer textile material 1100 may include a plurality ofconnecting members 1130 that extend between and join layer 1110 andlayer 1120. Spacer textile material 1100 of FIG. 11 also may have fouredges, including first edge 1190, second edge 1192, third edge 1194 andfourth edge 1196, which are also edges of layer 1110 and layer 1120.

Spacer textile material 1100 having first tensile strand 1140 and secondtensile strand 1150 may further include first weld 1160, second weld1162, third weld 1164, fourth weld 1166, fifth weld 1168, and sixth weld1170. First weld 1160, second weld 1162, third weld 1164, fourth weld1166, fifth weld 1168, and sixth weld 1170 form four channels, firstchannel 1180, second channel 1182, third channel 1184, and fourthchannel 1186, in the spacer textile material 1100. Portions of firsttensile strand 1140 and second tensile strand 1150 may run through anyof the four channels. An exemplary configuration is described below.

The channels depicted in FIG. 11 may be of any shape, size length. Inaddition, each channel may be positioned about spacer textile material1100 at any angle relative to an edge of spacer textile material 1100.In some embodiments, the channels disposed on spacer textile material1100 may be parallel to each other. In other embodiments, the channelsdisposed on spacer textile material 1100 are not parallel to each other.Further, in still other embodiments, some channels may be parallel whileothers are not parallel. The position of each channel on the spacertextile material may depend on the support or tension desired on afootwear upper as well as possibly other factors.

First tensile strand 1140 may be disposed in spacer textile material1100 at a location along first edge 1190. First tensile strand 1140includes a first portion 1143 and a third portion 1145 that extendbetween first edge 1190 and third edge 1194. A second portion 1146 oftensile strand 1140 is disposed between first portion 1143 and thirdportion 1145. In some embodiments, second portion 1146 extends outwardlyfrom third edge 1194 and forms a loop.

Second tensile strand 1150 includes a first portion 1153 extendingthrough third channel 1184 and a third portion 1155 extending throughfourth channel 1186. Second tensile strand 1150 may further include asecond portion 1156 that extends from first portion 1143 to secondportion 1155 along first edge 1190 and exterior to first layer 1110 andsecond layer 1120.

As show in FIG. 11, more than one tensile strand may be disposed betweenthe first layer and second layer of a spacer textile material. Bypositioning each tensile strand in specific locations, the tension ineach location may be selectively tuned with each tensile strandindependent of the other tensile strands.

FIG. 12 also depicts a spacer textile material having more than onetensile strand. However, unlike FIG. 11, in this embodiment, the tensilestrands may extend from the spacer textile material in different mannersand in different directions. Again, each tensile strand may functionindependent of each other. Therefore, the tension of each tensile strandmay be selectively tuned for the specific location of the tensile strandon or about the spacer textile material.

As shown in FIG. 12, portions of a first tensile strand 1240 may bedisposed between first layer 1210 and second layer 1220 of a spacertextile material 1200. In addition, portions of a second tensile strand1260 may be disposed between first layer 1210 and second layer 1220 of aspacer textile material 1200.

Further, spacer textile material 1200 may include a plurality ofconnecting members 1230 that extend between and join layer 1210 andlayer 1220. Spacer textile material 1200 of FIG. 12 also may have fouredges, including first edge 1290, second edge 1292, third edge 1294 andfourth edge 1296, which are also edges of layer 1210 and layer 1220.

Spacer textile material 1200 may include first weld 1270, second weld1272, third weld 1274, fourth weld 1280, fifth weld 1282, sixth weld1284, and seventh weld 1286. First weld 1270, second weld 1272, thirdweld 1274, fourth weld 1280, fifth weld 1282, sixth weld 1284, andseventh weld 1286 form four channels, including first channel 1281,second channel 1283, third channel 1271, and fourth channel 1273, in thespacer textile material 1200. Portions of first tensile strand 1240 andsecond tensile strand 1260 may run through each of the four channels.

The channels depicted in FIG. 12 may be of any shape, size length. Inaddition, each channel may be positioned about spacer textile 1200 atany angle relative to an edge of spacer textile material 1200. In someembodiments, the channels disposed on spacer textile material 1200 maybe parallel to each other. In other embodiments, the channels disposedon spacer textile material 1200 are not parallel to each other. Further,in still other embodiments, some channels may be parallel while othersare not parallel. The position of each channel on the spacer textilematerial may depend on the support or tension desired on a footwearupper as well as possibly other factors.

First tensile strand 1240 may be disposed in spacer textile 1200 at alocation along first edge 1290. First portion 1243 of first tensilestrand 1240 may be disposed between first layer 1210 and second layer1220 of spacer textile material 1200 in a first channel 1281. Inaddition, first portion 1243 may be disposed within first channel 1281from first edge 1290 to first opening 1250. First opening 1250 may belocated on outer face 1299 of first layer 1210. First tensile strand1240 may extend from spacer textile material 1200 through first opening1250.

First tensile strand may again be disposed in spacer textile material1200 through second opening 1252 located on the face first layer 1210.Further, second portion 1246 of tensile strand 1240 may remain outsideof the spacer textile material forming a loop above the face of layer1210. Third portion 1245 of first tensile strand 1240 may be disposed ina second channel 1283 in spacer textile material 1200 from secondopening 1252 to a location along first edge 1290.

In some embodiments, the configuration of second tensile strand 1260 mayvary from the configuration of first tensile strand 1240. Second tensilestrand 1260 may be disposed in the spacer textile material at a firstlocation along second edge 1292. First portion 1263 of second tensilestrand 1260 may be disposed between first layer 1210 and second layer1220 of spacer textile material 1200. In addition, first portion 1263may be disposed in third channel 1271. First portion 1263 may further bedisposed within third channel 1271 from second edge 1292 to oppositefourth edge 1296.

Second tensile strand 1260 may extend from spacer textile material 1200at a first location along fourth edge 1296. Further, a second portion1266 of second tensile strand 1260 may remain outside of the spacertextile material forming a loop along fourth edge 1296. Third portion1265 of second tensile strand 1260 may be disposed in a fourth channel1273 between first layer 1210 and second layer 1220 in spacer textilematerial 1200. Third portion 1265 may be disposed within fourth channel1273 from fourth edge 1296 to a second location along second edge 1292.

As show in FIG. 12, more than one tensile strand may be disposed betweenthe first layer and second layer of a spacer textile material in morethan one manner. By positioning each tensile strand in specificlocations, the tension in each location may be selectively tuned witheach tensile strand independent of the tensile strands.

Other embodiments of the disclosure may include more than two tensilestrands. The spacer textile material may include six or more tensilestrands with at least a portion of each tensile strand disposed betweena first layer and a second layer. Each tensile strand may functionindependent of each other. Therefore, the tension of each tensile strandmay be selectively tuned for the specific location of the tensile strandon or about the spacer textile material. FIG. 13 depicts one suchembodiment.

A plurality of tensile strands 1339 are shown disposed between firstlayer 1310 and second layer 1320. Portions of a first tensile strand1340 may be disposed between first layer 1310 and second layer 1320 of aspacer textile material 1300. In addition, portions of second tensilestrand 1350, third tensile strand 1360, fourth tensile strand 1370,fifth tensile strand 1380, and sixth tensile strand 1390 may be disposedbetween first layer 1310 and second layer 1320 of a spacer textilematerial 1300.

Further, spacer textile material 1300 may include a plurality ofconnecting members 1330 that extend between and join layer 1310 andlayer 1320. Spacer textile material 1300 also may have four edges,including first edge 1391, second edge 1393, third edge 1395 and fourthedge 1399, which are also edges of layer 1310 and layer 1320.

Spacer textile material 1300 may include a plurality of welds 1312 thatare configured to house portions of plurality of tensile strands 1339.Moreover, the configurations and arrangements of each weld are selectedto achieve a desired arrangement of tensile strands within spacertextile material 1300. As one particular example, first tensile strand1340 may be disposed in spacer textile 1300 at first location alongfirst edge 1391. First portion 1401 of first tensile strand 1340 may bedisposed between first layer 1310 and second layer 1320 of spacertextile material 1300. Further, first portion 1401 may be disposed in afirst channel 1420 from first edge 1391 to first opening 1347. Firstopening 1347 may be located on the face of first layer 1310. Firsttensile strand 1340 may extend from spacer textile material 1300 throughfirst opening 1347.

First tensile strand 1340 may again be disposed in spacer textilematerial 1300 through second opening 1348 located on the face firstlayer 1310. Further, a second portion 1346 of first tensile strand 1340may remain outside of the spacer textile material forming a loop abovethe face of layer 1310. Third portion 1403 of first tensile strand 1340may be disposed in a second channel 1422 in spacer textile material 1300to extend from second opening 1348 to a second location along first edge1391.

In a similar manner, each of the tensile strands of plurality of tensilestrands 1339 may be configured through corresponding channels andopenings of spacer textile material 1300. In particular, the arrangementshown in FIG. 13 may allow for a plurality of loops formed by portionsof plurality of tensile strands 1339 to be disposed adjacent to oneanother. In some cases, these loops could receive one or more laces,cables, straps or other kinds of fasteners or tensioning devices thatmay act to apply tension to each tensile member in a substantiallyuniform manner.

As depicted in FIG. 13, more than one tensile strand may be disposedbetween the first layer and second layer of a spacer textile material inmore than one manner. By positioning each tensile strand in specificlocations, the tension in each location may be selectively tuned witheach tensile strand independent of the other tensile strands.

The above described spacer textile material may be incorporated into atleast a portion of an article of footwear. The spacer textile materialmay be incorporated into at least a portion of a shoe upper. In someembodiments, the spacer textile material is the shoe upper.

When incorporated into a shoe upper, the spacer textile material mayhave any number of tensile strands. The tensile strands of the spacertextile material incorporated into a shoe upper may be disposed in thespacer textile material in any location within or about the spacertextile material. An embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, incorporatesmultiple tensile strands into a spacer textile material.

The tensile strands shown in article of footwear 1500 depicted in FIG.14 may be disposed in spacer textile material 1510 incorporated intoshoe upper 1512. As shown in FIG. 14, spacer textile material 1510 mayinclude multiple welds that define multiple channels. For example, firstweld 1522 and second weld 1524 define first channel 1530. Similarly,third weld 1526 and fourth weld 1528 define second channel 1532.Likewise, additional channels may be formed on upper 1512, as seen inFIG. 14, using various welds.

First portion 1542 of tensile strand 1540 may be disposed in firstchannel 1530. Further, first portion 1542 may extend from sole structure1520 within first channel 1530 to first opening 1560 disposed on theouter surface of spacer textile material 1510. Tensile strand 1540 mayextend from spacer textile material 1510 through first opening 1560.Second portion 1543 of tensile strand 1540 may form a loop on theexterior of spacer textile material 1510. Second portion 1543 may bedisposed between first opening 1560 and second opening 1562.

Third portion 1544 of tensile strand 1540 may be further disposed in thespacer textile material through second opening 1562. Third portion 1544may extend from second opening 1562 within second channel 1532 to solestructure 1520. Portions of additional tensile strands shown in FIG. 14may further be similarly disposed in the spacer textile material andthrough the remaining channels.

As shown in FIG. 14, a portion of each tensile strand may remain outsideof the spacer textile material between the two openings on the outerface or surface of the spacer textile material. This exposed portion ofthe tensile strand may be a loop that may be utilized as a shoe laceeyelet. In some embodiments, a shoe lace may be disposed through themultiple loops in the shoe upper of FIG. 14.

More specifically, second portion 1543 of tensile strand 1540 forms aloop on the exterior of spacer textile material 1510. The loop, orsecond portion 1543, may be disposed between first opening 1560 andsecond opening 1562. The loop, or second portion 1543, may also act asan eyelet to receive the shoe lace 1550.

When shoe lace 1550 is tightened, tensile strand 1540 is also tightened,or in other words, placed under an increased tension. The tightenedtensile strand 1540 provides both better support and a better fit forthe wearer of the shoe in the particular area that tensile strand 1540is disposed about spacer textile material 1510. Therefore, the wearer ofthe shoe may tighten shoe lace 1550 to customize the fit of upper 1512of shoe 1500. In a similar manner, each of the remaining tensile strandsassociated with article 1500 may be configured to engage lace 1550.

In addition, in some embodiments, each tensile strand may have the samestretch and flexibility. In other embodiments, each tensile strand mayhave different flexibility or stretch. Accordingly, a tensile strand maybe selectively disposed in or about the spacer textile material inspecific locations to provide specific support. For instance, a tensilestrand having less flexibility or stretch may be located in or about thespacer textile material of the shoe upper in an area that requires moresupport. Further, a tensile strand having greater flexibility or stretchmay be located in or about the spacer textile material of the shoe upperin an area that requires more flex and stretch during use. Therefore, ashoe upper may include multiple tensile strands with varying degrees ofstretch and flex. The stretch and flex of each tensile strand willdepend on its location on a particular shoe upper.

While FIG. 14 depicts an article of footwear comprising a shoe upperhaving a spacer textile material that includes multiple tensile strands,the disclosure is not limited to the particular pattern depicted in FIG.14. Any of the various patterns, or any combination of patterns,described above may be incorporated into a similar article of footwearas well as possibly other articles and other kinds of apparel.

During activities that involve walking, running, or other ambulatorymovements (e.g., cutting, braking), a foot within the shoes describedabove may tend to stretch the upper component of the shoe. That is, manyof the material elements forming the upper (e.g., spacer textilematerial layers) may stretch when placed in tension by movements of thefoot. Although the tensile strands or individual segments of the tensilestrands may also stretch, the tensile strand generally stretches to alesser degree than the other material elements forming the upper. Thevarious segments of the tensile strands may be located, therefore, toform structural components in the upper that (a) resist stretching inspecific directions or locations, (b) limit excess movement of the footrelative to the sole structure and the upper, (c) ensure that the footremains properly positioned relative to the sole structure and theupper, and (d) reinforce locations where forces are concentrated.

In addition, the welds forming the channels of the spacer textilematerial may also form structural components in the upper. The welds, afusion of the first layer to the second layer of the spacer textilematerial, may also assist the upper to (a) resist stretching in specificdirections or locations, (b) limit excess movement of the foot relativeto the sole structure and the upper, (c) ensure that the foot remainsproperly positioned relative to the sole structure and the upper, and(d) reinforce locations where forces are concentrated.

In addition above advantages, the tensile strands also may extend atleast partially around lace apertures or act as lace aperturesthemselves. As such, a tensile strand may (a) extend upward from lowerregion of the upper or from the sole structure to a lace region, (b)extend from the spacer textile materials forming a loop in the laceregion, and (c) travel downward from the lace region to the lower regionof the upper or the sole structure. In this manner, the loops formedfrom the tensile strands effectively are lace apertures. A shoe lace maybe laced through the tensile strand loops. When the lace is tightened,tension in the lace effectively places the tensile strands in tension,which has the advantage of tightening the upper around the foot andfurther (a) limiting excess movement of the foot relative to the solestructure and the upper, and (b) ensuring that the foot remains properlypositioned relative to the sole structure and the upper.

Based upon the above discussion, the spacer textile material havingtensile strands may have various configurations. Although each of theseconfigurations are discussed separately, many of the concepts presentedabove may be combined to impart specific properties or otherwise ensurethat spacer textile material having tensile strands are optimized for aparticular purpose or product.

In still other embodiments, a spacer textile material including tensilestrands arranged in various configurations may incorporated into variouskinds of articles including, but are not limited to: hiking boots,soccer shoes, football shoes, sneakers, running shoes, cross-trainingshoes, rugby shoes, basketball shoes, baseball shoes as well as otherkinds of shoes. Moreover, in some embodiments, a spacer textile materialmay be incorporated into various kinds of non-sports related footwear,including, but not limited to: slippers, sandals, high heeled footwear,loafers as well as any other kinds of footwear.

The spacer textile material could also be incorporated into variouskinds of articles of apparel and/or sporting equipment (e.g., gloves,helmets, etc.). In some embodiments, the article may include one or morearticulated portions that are configured to move. In other cases, thearticle may be configured to conform to portions of a wearer in athree-dimensional manner. Examples of articles that are configured to beworn include, but are not limited to: footwear, gloves, shirts, pants,socks, scarves, hats, jackets, as well as other articles. Other examplesof articles include, but are not limited to: protective equipment suchas shin guards, knee pads, elbow pads, shoulder pads, as well as anyother type of protective equipment. Additionally, in some embodiments,the article could be another type of article including, but not limitedto: bags, purses, backpacks, as well as other articles that may or maynot be worn.

While various embodiments of the disclosure have been described, thedescription is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and itwill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be restrictedexcept in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also,various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of theattached claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A spacer textile material comprising: a firstlayer; a second layer; a plurality of connecting members extendingbetween and joining the first layer and the second layer; a tensilestrand, wherein a first portion of the tensile strand is disposedbetween the first layer and second layer, a channel bounded by portionsof the first layer and the second layer that are in direct contact;wherein the channel has a first width associated with a first edge ofthe spacer textile material and the channel has a second widthassociated with a second edge of the spacer textile material and whereinthe first width is substantially different than the second width; andwherein the first portion of the tensile strand that is disposed betweenthe first layer and second layer is located within the channel.
 2. Thespacer textile material according to claim 1, wherein the channelextends between the first edge of the spacer textile material and thesecond edge of the spacer textile material.
 3. The spacer textilematerial according to claim 1, wherein a second portion of the tensilestrand extends from the second edge of the spacer textile material. 4.The spacer textile material according to claim 3, wherein the secondportion of the tensile strand forms a loop that extends outwardly fromthe second edge of the spacer textile material.
 5. The spacer textilematerial according to claim 4, wherein the channel is a first channeland wherein a third portion of the tensile strand is disposed betweenthe first layer and the second layer in a second channel that isseparated from the first channel.
 6. The spacer textile materialaccording to claim 5, wherein the first channel and the second channelare substantially parallel.
 7. The spacer textile material according toclaim 1, wherein the portions of the first layer and the second layerthat are in direct contact comprise portions where the first layer iswelded to the second layer.
 8. The spacer textile material according toclaim 6, wherein a fourth portion of the tensile strand extends from thefirst edge of the spacer textile material through the second channel. 9.A spacer textile material comprising: a first layer; a second layer; aplurality of connecting members extending between and joining the firstlayer and the second layer; a tensile strand; a channel bounded byportions of the first layer and the second layer that are in directcontact; wherein a first portion of the tensile strand is disposedbetween the first layer and the second layer in the channel; wherein asecond portion of the tensile strand extends outside of the spacertextile material from an edge of the spacer textile material; andwherein a third portion of the tensile strand extends outwardly from afirst opening on the outer face of the first layer of the spacer textilematerial.
 10. The spacer textile material according to claim 9, whereinthe channel extends to the edge of the spacer textile material andwherein the second portion extends from an opening along the edge. 11.The spacer textile material according to claim 10, wherein the secondportion extends between two adjacent openings on the edge of the spacertextile material.
 12. The spacer textile material according to claim 11,wherein the two adjacent openings are associated with two adjacentchannels.
 13. The spacer textile material according to claim 10, whereinthe third portion of the tensile strand extends from the first openingon the outer face of the first layer of the spacer textile material to asecond opening on the outer face of the first layer a distance from thefirst opening to form a loop.
 14. The spacer textile material accordingto claim 11, wherein a fourth portion of the tensile strand is disposedbetween the first layer and the second layer in a second channel andwherein the second channel extends from the second opening to any edgeof the spacer textile material.
 15. An article of footwear comprising:an upper, wherein at least a portion of the upper comprises a spacertextile material; the spacer textile material further including a firstlayer, a second layer and a plurality of connecting members extendingbetween and joining the first layer and the second layer; the spacertextile material further including a tensile strand; wherein the spacertextile material includes a channel configured to receive at least afirst portion of the tensile strand; and wherein a second portion of thetensile strand is disposed outside an outer surface of the first layerthrough a first opening.
 16. The article of footwear according to claim15, wherein the channel is formed using welds that join the first layerdirectly to the second layer.
 17. The article of footwear according toclaim 16, wherein the tensile strand is associated with the channel andat least another channel.
 18. The article of footwear according to claim17, wherein a third portion of the tensile strand is disposed outside ofthe another channel and wherein the second portion of the tensile strandforms a loop with the third portion.
 19. The article of footwearaccording to claim 18, wherein the third portion of the tensile strandthat forms the loop extends outwardly from the outer surface of thespacer textile material.
 20. The article of footwear according to claim19, wherein a fourth portion of the tensile strand extends from an edgeof the spacer textile material through the another channel.